Method and apparatus for constructing a contact lens with optics

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and processes for constructing a contact lens. In one embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising: a curved polymer polarizer with an aperture; a lenslet disposed inside the aperture, wherein the lenslet enables imaging near objects; and a filter attached to the lenslet. In further embodiments, a method for fabricating a flexible contact lens is provided, comprising: fabricating an element having an extrusion; providing a front concave mold, wherein the front mold has an intrusion to accommodate the extrusion of the optical element; affixing the extrusion of the optical element to the intrusion of the front mold; attaching a back convex mold to the front concave mold, thereby forming a mold cavity; and filling the mold cavity with a pre-polymerized liquid, whereby upon polymerization, the pre-polymerized liquid forms the flexible contact lens and the optical element is partially encapsulated within the lens.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/833,898, filed Dec. 6, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/526,482, filed Oct. 28, 2014, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,874,765, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/370,877, filed Feb. 10, 2012, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,888,279, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/485,817, filed Jun. 16, 2009, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,142,016, which is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/204,567 filed Sep. 4,2008, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,520,309, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to optics and, more specifically, isdirected toward the construction of contact lenses having optics used inprocessing display and non-display optical information.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Current systems for optical processing of display information providedby a head-mounted display and non-display information provided byobjects other than the head-mounted display have characteristics thatmake them unattractive solutions for many applications. The twinrequirements of a large field of view and a comfortable eye-to-systemdistance for the viewer result in multi-component optical systems wherethe final optical component has a large diameter. Such systems tend tobe large, bulky and ill-suited for applications where little space isavailable for processing the display information and the non-displayinformation. For example, such systems are unattractive solutions forprocessing display and non-display information in a fighter pilot'shelmet where the space for the optical system is limited.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods,and processes for constructing a contact lens.

In one embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising: acurved polymer polarizer with an aperture; a lenslet disposed inside theaperture, wherein the lenslet enables imaging near objects; and a narrowband optical bandpass filter attached to the lenslet.

In another embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising:a curved polymer polarizer having an aperture and a first polarization;a second polymer polarizer having a second polarization; and a lensletdisposed inside the aperture for imaging near objects.

In a further embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided,comprising: a curved transparent substrate having at least one patternedfilter; and a lenslet attached to the curved transparent substrate. Insome such embodiments, the patterned filter is a polarization filter ora patterned spectral filter. In those embodiments where the patternedfilter is a patterned spectral filter, the contact lens may furthercomprise perforations or slots in the patterned spectral filter thatallows gasses to permeate through the filter.

In an alternative embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided,comprising: a substrate made of a molded contact lens material,comprising a curved transparent substrate having at least one opticalfilter, wherein the curved transparent substrate has an index ofrefraction less than the molded contact lens material. An indent in thecurved transparent substrate is filled with the molded contact lensmaterial such that the indent forms an optical power capable of viewingclose objects.

For some embodiments described herein, the lenslet may be a refractivelens or a diffractive lens. For further embodiments described herein,the lenslet may be substantially wider in a horizontal direction than ina vertical direction, thereby enabling wider viewing angles in thehorizontal direction.

In a further embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided,comprising: a substrate comprising a lenslet, and a surrounding regionthat encircles the lenslet and has a power sufficient to correct normalvision, wherein the lenslet has a power that is at least 25 dioptersgreater than the surrounding region. In some such embodiments, thelenslet has a power that is 40 or more diopters greater than thesurrounding region.

In another embodiment, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising:a substrate including a display information optical path to receivedisplay information and a non-display optical path to receivenon-display information, the non-display information optical pathincluding an attenuator that blocks display information. By way ofexample, the attenuator may be a gray filter.

Further embodiments of the invention provide a method for fabricating aflexible contact lens, comprising: fabricating at least one opticalelement having an extrusion; providing a front concave mold, wherein thefront mold has an intrusion to accommodate the extrusion of the opticalelement; affixing the extrusion of the optical element to the intrusionof the front mold; attaching a back convex mold to the front concavemold, thereby forming a mold cavity; and filling the mold cavity with apre-polymerized liquid, whereby upon polymerization, the pre-polymerizedliquid forms the flexible contact lens and the optical element ispartially encapsulated within the lens.

In some such embodiments, at least one optical element is a refractivelenslet, a diffractive lenslet, a pinhole aperture, a selectivechromatic filter, a circular polarizing filter, a linear polarizerfilter, a gray attenuator filter, a zone plate, or a birefringentfilter. In further such embodiments, the extrusion of the opticalelement is affixed to the intrusion of the front mold using a materialthat is not soluble by the pre-polymerized liquid. In further suchembodiments, the extrusion of the optical element is affixed to theintrusion of the front mold using a material that is removable uponextracting and hydrating the polymerized lens.

In some embodiments where at least one optical element is a pinholeaperture, the pinhole aperture has a diameter from about 0.5 to 2millimeters. In some embodiments where at least one optical element is arefractive lenslet, the refractive lenslet has an optical powersufficient to provide a multifocal capability that corrects presbyopia.In other embodiments where at least one optical element is a refractivelenslet, the refractive lenslet has an optical power sufficient to allowa retina to focus on an object in a spectacle plane. In otherembodiments where at least one optical element is a diffractive lenslet,the diffractive lenslet has a focal power for distance and near suchthat the focal power corrects presbyopia.

In another embodiment, a method for fabricating a flexible contact lensis provided, comprising: fabricating at least one optical element;partially encapsulating the optical element in a first flexiblematerial; affixing the optical element to a front mold at a centralzone; attaching a back convex mold to the front concave mold, therebyforming a mold cavity; and filling the mold cavity with apre-polymerized liquid, whereby upon polymerization the pre-polymerizedliquid forms the flexible contact lens. Some such embodiments may have afront concave mold and back convex mold that are configured such thatthe flexible contact lens formed is a spherical contact lens or a toriccontact lens.

In some such embodiments, the optical element is affixed to the frontmold and the front mold is configured such that the optical element islocated at a geometric center of the contact lens. In further suchembodiments, the optical element is affixed to the front mold and thefront mold is configured such that the optical element is displaced froma geometric center of the contact lens. In other embodiments, theoptical element is fabricated to be concave, convex, or non-curved on aposterior surface.

In further embodiments, a method for fabricating a flexible contact lensis provided, comprising: pre-forming a lenslet using a pre-polymerizedliquid; and forming a contact lens using the pre-polymerized liquid suchthat the lenslet is partially encapsulated by the contact lens.

In some such embodiments, the operation of pre-forming the lensletcomprises: partially filling a front concave mold with pre-polymerizedliquid, wherein the front concave mold comprises: a first concavesurface having a first boundary and a first curvature, and a secondconcave surface having a second boundary and a second curvature, whereinthe second boundary is within the first boundary, the first curvaturehas a radius sufficient to form a contact lens having a first opticalpower, and the second curvature has a radius that is smaller than thefirst curvature and sufficient to form a lenslet having a second opticalpower; and curing the pre-polymerized liquid, thereby forming thelenslet. In further such embodiments, the second surface having thesecond curvature is off-center with respect to a geometric center of thefront concave mold.

In other such embodiments, the operation of forming the contact lenscomprises: attaching a back convex mold to a front concave mold, therebyforming a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with pre-polymerizedliquid such that the lenslet is partially encapsulated by thepre-polymerized material; and curing the pre-polymerized liquid, therebyforming the contact lens.

In additional embodiments, the operation of pre-forming a lensletfurther comprises attaching a filter assembly to the lenslet beforeforming the contact lens. In some such embodiments, the operation ofattaching the filter assembly to the lenslet comprises: applying a layerof adhesive material to the lenslet; and attaching the filter assemblyto the adhesive material. The adhesive material may be a layer of thepre-polymerized liquid and the layer may be cured after the filterassembly is attached to the adhesive material. In other suchembodiments, the operation of attaching the filter assembly to theadhesive material comprises centering the filter assembly over thelenslet.

Further embodiments provide a method for fabricating a flexible contactlens, comprising: pre-forming a lenslet using a pre-polymerized liquid;attaching a filter assembly to the lenslet, thereby forming anintegrated optical element; and forming a contact lens using thepre-polymerized liquid such that the integrated optical element is fullyencapsulated by the polymerized contact lens material.

In some such embodiments, the operation of forming the contact lenscomprises: attaching a back convex mold to a front concave mold, therebyforming a mold cavity; filling the mold cavity with pre-polymerizedliquid such that the integrated optical element is fully encapsulated bythe pre-polymerized material; and curing the pre-polymerized liquid,thereby forming the contact lens. For some such embodiments, beforefilling the mold cavity with pre-polymerized liquid, the lenslet ismounted to either the front concave mold or the back convex mold by asuspending element, wherein the suspending element suspends theintegrated optical element at a predetermined distance from both thefront concave mold and the back convex mold. For further suchembodiments, the suspending element comprises a soft or rigidpolymerized material that has an index of refraction approximately equalto that of the pre-polymerized liquid after the pre-polymerized liquidis cured. For other such embodiments, the integrated optical element issuspended off-center with respect to a geometric center of the contactlens.

In other such embodiments, the integrated optical element is arefractive lenslet, a diffractive lenslet, a pinhole aperture, aselective chromatic filter, a circular polarizing filter, a linearpolarizer filter, a gray attenuator filter, a zone plate, or abirefringent filter.

In various embodiments, a hybrid or scleral contact lens is provided,comprising a button that contains at least one optical element that maybe curved. The button may be rigid and may be made of a materialsuitable for diamond turning during the button's production.Additionally, the button may comprise a refractive or diffractivelenslet. In some embodiments, the button is a diamond turned lens withthe lenslet produced by diamond turning the front surface. In furtherembodiments, the button has apertures or filters encapsulated in therigid material of the button.

Further embodiments provide methods for construction of hybrid orscleral contact lens in accordance with various embodiments describedabove.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. Thesedrawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of theinvention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity andease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments ofthe invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanyingdescriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side”views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply orrequire that the invention be implemented or used in a particularspatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example apparatus to receive andprocess display information and non-display information in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the example apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A)coupled to a human visual system in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an example apparatus including theapparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display to providethe display in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of an example apparatus including theapparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one or morefilters (shown in FIG. 1A) includes a non-display path notch filter or anon-display path polarizing filter and further including the display(shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information (shown in FIG. 1A)in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram of an example apparatus including theapparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters include anon-display path polarizing filter (shown in FIG. 1D) and furtherincluding the display (shown in FIG. 1C) in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example apparatus to receive andprocess the display information and the non-display information inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the example apparatus (shown in FIG. 2A)coupled to the human visual system (shown in FIG. 1B) in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an example apparatus including theapparatus (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display (shownin FIG. 1C) to provide the display information in accordance with someembodiments

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an example apparatus including theapparatus (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one or morecontrollable optical materials includes a photochromic material or anelectrochromic material and further including the display (shown in FIG.1C) to provide the display information and one or more optical materialactivation signals in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an example apparatus comprising a substrate including anoptical path having one or more zone plates to receive displayinformation and non-display information in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens shown in 4A) areillustrations of an example contact lens including the displayinformation optical path and the non-display information optical path inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processingnon-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing displayinformation using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing tocombine non-display information and display information using wavelengthfilters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processingnon-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by thecontact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing displayinformation using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in 10A) areillustrations of an example contact lens including one or more zoneplate filters in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled bythe contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processingdisplay information and non-display information using the one or morezone plate filters in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example apparatus including asubstrate, a substantially transparent pixel unit, and an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) unit in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an example method including enabling anddisabling transmission of display information and transmission ofnon-display information in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an example method including polarizingdisplay and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens withthe polarized display and non-display information in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example construction of a contact lensassembly with a molded refractive lens in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example construction of a contact lensassembly with a molded refractive lens in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example construction of a contact lensassembly with a diffractive lens in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example construction of a contact lens assemblyhaving a lens formed by a concave depression in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example process by which a contact lensassembly is constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a further example process by which acontact lens assembly is constructed in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of another example process by which a contactlens assembly is constructed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that theinvention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and thatthe invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed toward systems, methods, and processes forconstructing a contact lens. Specifically, various embodiments ofpresent invention provide for contact lenses comprising a curved polymermaterial having a lenslet capable of assisting an eye in imaging nearobjects. For example, some such embodiments may assist an eye onfocusing on an object that is near the eye. Other examples include acontact lens capable of combining information originating from thesource, such as the real world, with information originating from anear-eye source, such as a near-eye display.

The term contact lens as used in this description is any optical systemthat has optical elements and is in contact with the ocular tissue. Thisincludes any hybrid, gas permeable, soft, hard, corneal, or scleralcontact lens, and any inter-ocular, intra-corneal or intra-oculardevice. Though the embodiments to follow are described in terms of acontact lens, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate afterreading the following description that any of the optical systemsdescribed above could be used in place of a contact lens withoutdeviating from the scope or principles of the present invention.

The term substrate as used in the following description includes anymaterial or substance used to form an optical component such as acontact lens. The term zone plate includes an optical component thatfocuses light by diffraction. The term display information optical pathincludes the optical path traversed in a substrate by displayinformation. The term non-display information optical path includes theoptical path traversed in a substrate by non-display information. Forsome embodiments, non-display information may include what is perceivedin the real world by a human eye. The term optically coupled includestwo or more optical components connect by an optical path.

The term non-display information path optical power includes the opticalpower provided in a substrate for an optical signal passing through thenon-display information path. The term substantially zero power includesan optical power that has substantially no effect on an optical signal.The term normal power is the optical power necessary to providecorrection in an optical system, such as a human visual system, fordefects in the optical system. The term close power is the optical powernecessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a humanvisual system, for viewing at a close distance.

The term optical path optics in this description includes objects andlaminates disposed on or within a contact lens such that the object orlaminate affects light rays in a given optical path. Such objects can befully or partially embedded within a contact lens, or laminates disposedon or within a contact lens.

The term electromagnetic radiation includes energy in the form oftransverse electric and magnetic waves. The term electromagneticradiation includes electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum.The term illuminating includes directing or transmitting electromagneticradiation to a target.

The term filter includes apparatus or methods for selectivelytransmitting electromagnetic radiation. The term characteristic featureincludes detectable traits, such as narrow bandwidth or polarization, bywhich signals can be distinguished.

The term notch filter includes a filter that blocks electromagneticradiation over a substantially continuous narrow band of frequencies.The term non-display path notch filter includes a notch filter includedin the non-display path of a substrate.

The term bandpass filter includes a filter that transmitselectromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous but finiteband of frequencies. The term display path bandpass filter includes abandpass filter included in the display path of a substrate.

The term polarizing filter includes a filter that polarizeselectromagnetic radiation. The term display path polarizing filterincludes a polarizing filter included in the display information path ofa substrate. The term non-display path polarizing filter includes apolarizing filter included in the non-display information path of asubstrate. The term shutter includes a controllable polarizing filter.The term substantially opaque filter includes a filter that blocks allor nearly all of the information received by the filter.

The term display includes any apparatus capable of generatinginformation in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The term organiclight emitting diode display includes one or more light-emitting diodeswhose light emitting layer includes a film of one or more organiccompounds. The term display information includes information provided bya display.

The term controllable optical materials includes materials whose opticalproperties, such as opacity, can be controlled. The term photochromicmaterial includes materials whose optical properties can be controlledby an optical signal. The term electrochromic material includes anoptical material whose properties can be controlled by an electricalsignal. The term optical material activation signal includes signals tocontrol the optical properties of a controllable optical material.

The term a pattern of pixel sites includes the organization of pixelsites on a substrate. The term substantial transparent pixel unitincludes a portion of a display that transmits electromagnetic radiationgenerated outside the display. The term checkerboard pattern includes analternating pattern similar to the pattern of a checkerboard.

In some embodiments, as illustrated and described herein, informationprovided by a head-mounted display, referred to as display information,and information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display,referred to as non-display information, are received at a contact lensincluded in a human visual system. A head-mounted display may include anorganic light emitting diode display to provide the display information.The contact lens in combination with the human visual system providesimages of the display information and the non-display information to theretina of the human visual system. The display information may include,for example, text information, non-text information or other visualinformation. The non-display information may include, for example,landscape information, non-landscape information, and other visualinformation.

The contact lens includes a display information optical path and anon-display information optical path. The display information opticalpath provides a contact lens transmission path between the head-mounteddisplay and the human visual system for the display informationtransmitted by the head-mounted display. The display information opticalpath forms a substantially cylindrical central region of the contactlens. The display information optical path in the contact lens canprovide power to assist the human visual system in focusing objectspositioned close to the human lens.

The non-display information optical path provides a contact lenstransmission path between the source of the non-display information andthe human visual system for the non-display information. The non-displayinformation optical path forms a substantially annular ring surroundingthe cylindrical central region of the display information optical path.A filter is included in the non-display information optical path tosubstantially block display information from being transmitted throughthe non-display information optical path. The non-display informationoptical path in the contact lens may provide correction for defects,such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism with or withoutpresbyopia in the human visual system.

The display information and the non-display information may be polarizedto different polarizations to provide for distinguishing between thedisplay information and the non-display information. Polarizing thedisplay information and the non-display information enables independentprocessing of the display information and non-display information at thecontact lens and enables time-domain multiplexing in the transmission ofthe display information and the non-display information to the contactlens. The time-domain multiplexed display information and non-displayinformation when processed by the human visual system are perceived as asingle image. Further detailed description of these and otherembodiments is provided below.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 101 to receive and processdisplay information 103 and non-display information 105 in accordancewith some embodiments. The apparatus 101 includes a substrate 107including a display information optical path 109 to receive the displayinformation 103 and a non-display information optical path 111 toreceive the non-display information 105. The display information opticalpath 109 includes a display information path optical power 113. Thenon-display information optical path 111 includes one or more filters115 and a non-display information path optical power 117.

The substrate 107 is not limited to being formed from a particularmaterial or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use informing optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming thesubstrate 107. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming thesubstrate 107 include gels, such as silicone hydrogels, glasses,plastics, and polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymacon.The substrate 107 is not limited to a particular type of opticalcomponent. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes a substrateor blank suitable for forming one lens, such as a contact lens. In someembodiments, the substrate 107 includes one or more optical componentsor lenses, such as focusing lenses, formed from one or more opticalmaterials. In certain embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed from aflexible material conformable to the shape of a human cornea. In someembodiments, the substrate 107 is formed by filling a contact lens moldwith one or more liquid monomers and initiators.

The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation, such asvisible light, having at least one characteristic feature lacking in thenon-display electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information105. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103includes electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidthwhile the non-display information 105 includes electromagnetic radiationhaving a broad spectral bandwidth. Narrow spectral bandwidth and broadspectral bandwidth are relative terms. In some embodiments, for twosignals, the signal having the narrower spectral bandwidth informationis the signal having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the signal havingthe broader spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a broadspectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, narrow spectral bandwidthinformation includes information having a bandwidth of between about afew nanometers and a few tens of nanometers. In some embodiments, broadspectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidthgreater than about a few tens of nanometers. Thus, the non-displayelectromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth lacks thecharacteristic feature—narrow spectral bandwidth—included in the displayinformation 103.

As a second example, in some embodiments, the display information 103includes electromagnetic radiation having a display informationpolarization, such as right-handed circular polarization, and thenon-display information 105 includes unpolarized information. Thus, thenon-display information 105 including the non-display electromagneticradiation having the unpolarized information lacks the characteristicfeature—right handed circular polarization—included in the displayinformation 103.

The display information optical path 109 is included in the substrate107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials.The display information optical path 109 is not limited to being formedfrom a particular optical material or combination of materials.Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable foruse in forming the display information optical path 109. The materialsused to form the display information optical path 109 may differ fromthe one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 receives andtransmits electromagnetic information, such as the display information103. When coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B), thedisplay information optical path 109 receives the display information103 and assists the human visual system to substantially focus thedisplay information 103 to a retina in the human visual system.

The non-display information optical path 111 is included in thesubstrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination ofmaterials. The non-display information optical path 111 is not limitedto being formed from a particular optical material or combination ofmaterials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 aresuitable for use in forming the non-display information optical path111. The materials used to form the non-display information optical path111 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate107.

In operation, the non-display information optical path 111 receives thenon-display information 105 and when coupled to a human visual system(as shown in FIG. 1B) substantially focuses the non-display information105 to a retina in the human visual system. The non-display information105 includes any information, such as visible objects, not included inthe display information 103. In some embodiments, the non-displayinformation 105 is provided from objects more distant from the humanvisual system than the source of the display information 103. Forexample, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided toa human visual system from a head-mounted display located between about5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters from the cornea, and thenon-display information 105 is provided to the human visual system froma source located at a distance of greater than about 200 millimetersfrom the cornea.

The one or more filters 115 included in the non-display informationoptical path 111 substantially block the display information 103 whilesubstantially transmitting the non-display information 105. Each of theone or more filters 115 is sensitive to a physical characteristic, suchas wavelength, frequency, or polarization, of the display information103. Thus, the one or more filters 115 may include any filter orcombination of filters or other optical components capable ofsubstantially blocking the display information 103 while substantiallytransmitting the non-display information 105.

Optical power is the degree to which a lens or mirror converges ordiverges light or electromagnetic radiation. A lens or mirror havingsubstantially zero optical power neither converges nor divergeselectromagnetic radiation. Normal power is the power necessary toprovide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system,for defects in the optical system. For example, normal power includes apower to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism ina human visual system. In some embodiments, a normal power is betweenabout 0.25 and about 10 diopters or more.

Close power is the power necessary to provide correction in an opticalsystem, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance.In a human visual system, a close distance is a distance of less thanabout 250 millimeters. For objects closer than about 250 millimeters,the human visual system cannot form a sharp image on the retina. Afocusing lens can provide close power to assist a human visual system inviewing objects at distances of less than about 250 millimeters. In someembodiments, the close power is between about 5 and about 200 diopters.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 101 includes combinations of opticalpowers. In some embodiments, the display information path optical power113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display informationpath optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In otherembodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includessubstantially zero power and the non-display information path opticalpower 117 includes a normal power. In further embodiments, the displayinformation path optical power 113 includes a close power and thenon-display information path optical power 117 includes substantiallyzero power. In additional embodiments, the display information pathoptical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display informationpath optical power 117 includes normal power. In additional embodiments,the non-display information path includes two or more optical powers.For example, some embodiments may use the two or more optical powers forcorrection of presbyopia or for enabling the eye to properly focus fortwo or more distances other than the display path.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A)coupled to a human visual system 131 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path opticalpower 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has anaperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sizedto increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about onemillimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and thenon-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 and afocused image of the non-display information 105 on a retina 133. Thedisplay information optical path 109 in cooperation with the humanvisual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focusesthe display information 103 to the retina 133 to form retinal displayinformation image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 incooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to the retina133 to form retinal non-display information image 137. At least one ofthe one or more filters 115 in the non-display information optical path111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering thehuman visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path111.

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 141 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display 143 toprovide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments.The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 includingthe display information optical path 109 to receive the displayinformation 103 and including the non-display information optical path111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display informationoptical path 109 includes the display information path optical power113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one ormore filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes informationprovided by the display 143. The display 143 includes any device orsystem that provides information in the form of electromagneticradiation, such as visible light. For example, in some embodiments, thedisplay information 103 is provided by a device including a singletwo-state source of visible light.

The display 143 is not limited to a particular type of display. In someembodiments, the display 143 includes micro-displays and other smalldisplays, such as displays having a thickness of between about 100microns and about two millimeters, flat screen displays, such as liquidcrystal displays, and cathode ray tube displays. In some embodiments,the display 143 is mounted in an eyeglass frame. In operation, in someembodiments, the distance between the display and a human cornea isbetween about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters.

The display information 103 provided by the display 143 may include acharacteristic feature related to the wavelength of the displayinformation 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103provided by the display 143 includes information having a narrowspectral bandwidth. Exemplary displays that provide the displayinformation 103 having a narrow spectral bandwidth include organic lightemitting diode displays and electroluminescent displays.

The display 143 is not limited to providing the display information 103.In some embodiments, the display 143 is substantially occluded,partially occluded, or substantially transparent. For a partiallyoccluded or substantially transparent display, the display 143 maytransmit the non-display information 105 in addition to providing thedisplay information 103. An organic light emitting diode display is anexemplary display capable of providing substantially transparent,partially occluded, and substantially occluded operation.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 151 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one ormore filters 115 includes a non-display path notch filter 153 or anon-display path polarizing filter 155 and further including the display143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path opticalpower 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical pathincludes a display path bandpass filter 157. In other embodiments, thedisplay information optical path includes a display path polarizingfilter 159.

The non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to substantially blockthe display information 103 in the non-display information optical path111. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 isselected to block at least about 90% of the energy included in thedisplay information 103. Blocking less than about 90% of energy includedin the display information 103 may result in blurring of the displayinformation 103 and the non-display information 105. The non-displaypath notch filter 153 is not limited to a particular type of notchfilter. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Notchfilters, such as the non-display path notch filter 153, are formed byperiodically varying the refractive index in each of a plurality ofdiscrete thin film layers included in a contact lens. Microlithographicprocesses can be applied to each of the plurality of discrete thin filmlayers to pattern the notch filters. The plurality of discrete thin filmlayers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of thelens.

In operation, the non-display path notch filter 153 is included in thenon-display information optical path 111 to block narrow bandwidthelectromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. Ifthe non-display information 105 includes broad spectral bandwidthelectromagnetic radiation, the non-display path notch filter 153 hassubstantially no effect on the non-display information 105. Thenon-display information 105 passes through the non-display informationoptical path 111 substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, the frequencies to be blocked by the non-displaypath notch filter 153 include the primary colors included in thespectrum of the display information 103. For example, for the displayinformation 103 having primary colors red, green, and blue, the one ormore filters 115 are selected to substantially block narrow spectrumred, green, and blue. In order to substantially block narrow spectrumred, green, and blue, the transmission curve includes “notches” or atransmission coefficient of substantially zero at the one or more bandsof frequencies to be blocked. In some embodiments, the “notches” have abandwidth that blocks a band of frequencies, such as, for example, aband of frequencies having a narrow spectrum of between about two andabout thirty nanometers, centered on each of the primary colors, red,green, and blue.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantiallyblock the display information 103 in the non-display information opticalpath 111. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to aparticular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, thenon-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter tosubstantially block right-handed circularly polarized radiation. Inother embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 isselected to substantially block left-handed circularly polarizedelectromagnetic radiation. In further embodiments, the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block linearlypolarized electromagnetic radiation. Pixelated micro-wires andbirefringent polymers are suitable for use in forming linear polarizersfor use in forming polarizing filters, such as the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155. Circular polarizers are formed by adding aquarter wave-plate retarder in series with a linear polarizer.

In operation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is included inthe non-display information optical path 111 to block polarizedelectromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. Forexample, if the display information 103 includes left-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation and the non-display information 105includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation,the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantiallyblock the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiationwhile having substantially no effect on the right-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105.The non-display information 105 passes through the non-displayinformation optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

The display path bandpass filter 157 is selected to substantially blockthe non-display information 105 in the display information optical path109. The display path bandpass filter 157 is not limited to a particulartype of bandpass filter. In some embodiments, the display path bandpassfilter 157 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugatefilter. Bandpass filters, such as the display path bandpass filter 157,are formed by varying the refractive index in each of a plurality ofthin films to selectively pass the desired wavelength bands andincluding the plurality of discrete thin film layers in a contact lens.Microlithographic processes can be applied to the plurality of thinfilms to pattern the bandpass filters. The plurality of discrete thinfilm layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the moldingof the lens.

In operation, the display path bandpass filter 157 included in thedisplay information optical path 109 is selected to substantially blockbroad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in thenon-display information 105. If the display information 103 includesnarrow spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation substantiallymatched to the passband of the display path bandpass filter 157, thedisplay path bandpass filter 157 has substantially no effect on thedisplay information 103. The display information 103 passes through thedisplay information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

The display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to substantiallyblock the non-display information 105 in the display information opticalpath 109. The display path polarizing filter 159 is not limited to aparticular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the displaypath polarizing filter 159 includes a linearly polarized filter.

In operation, the display path polarizing filter 159 is included in thedisplay information optical path 109 to substantially blockelectromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105.If the display information 103 includes right-handed circularlypolarized electromagnetic radiation and the display path polarizingfilter 159 is selected to transmit right-handed circularly polarizedelectromagnetic radiation, the display path polarizing filter 159 hassubstantially no effect on the display information 103. The displayinformation 103 passes through the display information optical path 109substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, in operation the apparatus 151 processes acombination of spectral bandwidths and polarizations in the displayinformation 103 and the non-display information 105. In someembodiments, the display information 103 includes displayelectromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and thenon-display information 105 includes non-display electromagneticradiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In other embodiments, thedisplay information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiationhaving a display information polarization and the non-displayinformation 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having anon-display information polarization. In further embodiments, thedisplay information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiationhaving a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display informationpolarization and the non-display information 105 includes non-displayelectromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. Inadditional embodiments, the display information 103 includes displayinformation including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrowspectral bandwidth and a display information polarization and thenon-display information 105 including non-display electromagneticradiation having a broad spectral bandwidth and a non-displayinformation polarization.

FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of an apparatus 161 including theapparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters 115includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155 (shown in FIG. 1D),and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C). The apparatus101 includes the substrate 107 including the display information opticalpath 109 to receive the display information 103 and including thenon-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-displayinformation 105. The display information optical path 109 includes thedisplay information path optical power 113. The non-display informationoptical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and thenon-display information path optical power 117. The display information103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a display informationpolarization. The non-display information 105 includes non-displayelectromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the display information103 includes electromagnetic radiation having the display informationpolarization. To block the display information 103, the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is selected to block electromagnetic radiationhaving the display information polarization. In some embodiments, thenon-display information 105 includes the non-display electromagneticradiation having the non-display information polarization. Thenon-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to pass thenon-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display informationpolarization.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 201 to receive and processthe display information 103 and the non-display information 105 inaccordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 includes thesubstrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 toreceive the display information 103 and including the non-displayinformation optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105.

The display information optical path 109 includes the displayinformation path optical power 113. The non-display information opticalpath 111 includes one or more controllable optical materials 203 and thenon-display information path optical power 117.

The one or more controllable optical materials 203 include materialshaving one or more controllable optical properties. In some embodiments,the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include photochromicmaterials. The controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may becontrolled by providing the photochromic material with anelectromagnetic signal, such as an optical signal, for example, toincrease or decrease the opacity of the photochromic material.

In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203include an electrochromic material. The one or more controllable opticalproperties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing theelectrochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as a radiofrequency signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity ofthe electrochromic material.

In operation, the one or more controllable optical materials 203included in the non-display information optical path 111 block ortransmit information in the non-display information optical path 111.When at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203is set to block information in the non-display information optical path111, substantially only display information 103 in the displayinformation optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

Neither the display information path optical power 113 nor thenon-display information path optical power 117 is limited to aparticular power. In some embodiments, the apparatus 201 includes acombination of optical powers. In some embodiments, the displayinformation path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power andthe non-display information path optical power 117 includessubstantially zero power. In other embodiments, the display informationpath optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and thenon-display information path optical power 117 includes a normal power.In further embodiments, the display information path optical power 113includes a close power and the non-display information path opticalpower 117 includes substantially zero power. In additional embodiments,the display information path optical power 113 includes a close powerand the non-display information path optical power 117 includes normalpower. In additional embodiments, the non-display information pathincludes two or more optical powers. For example, some embodiments mayuse the two or more optical powers for correction of presbyopia or forenabling the eye to properly focus for two or more distances other thanthe display path.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A)coupled to the human visual system 131 in accordance with someembodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107including the display information optical path 109 to receive thedisplay information 103 and including the non-display informationoptical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The displayinformation optical path 109 includes the display information pathoptical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includesthe one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-displayinformation path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has anaperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing thedisplay information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sizedto increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about onemillimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and thenon-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 at theretina 133 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 at theretina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation withthe human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantiallyfocuses the display information 103 at the retina 133 to form a retinaldisplay information image 135. The non-display information optical path111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the humanlens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 at theretina 133 to form a retinal non-display information image 137. At leastone of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 in thenon-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks thedisplay information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 fromthe non-display information optical path 111.

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 211 including theapparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display 143(shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information 103 in accordancewith some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes thesubstrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 toreceive the display information 103 and including the non-displayinformation optical path 111 to receive the non- display information105. The display information optical path 109 includes the displayinformation path optical power 113. The non-display information opticalpath 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 andthe non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments,the display information 103 includes information provided by the display143.

FIG. 2D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 221 including theapparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one ormore controllable optical materials 203 includes a photochromic material223 or an electrochromic material 225 and further including the display143 to provide the display information 103 and one or more opticalmaterial activation signals 227 in accordance with some embodiments. Theapparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including thedisplay information optical path 109 to receive the display information103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 toreceive the non-display information 105. The display information opticalpath 109 includes the display information path optical power 113.

The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one morecontrollable optical materials 203 and the non-display information pathoptical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information opticalpath 109 includes the display path bandpass filter 157. In otherembodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes thedisplay path polarizing filter 159.

The one or more material activation signals 227 provide controlinformation to the one or more controllable optical materials 203. Insome embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227provide control information to the photochromic material 223. An opticalsignal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing controlinformation to the photochromic material 223. In some embodiments, theone or more material activation signals 227 provide control informationto the electrochromic material 225. A radio frequency signal is anexemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information tothe electrochromic material 225. In some embodiments, the one or morematerial activation signals 227 are provided by the display 143.

In operation, one or more of the photochromic material 223 and theelectrochromic material 225 are included in the non-display informationoptical path 111 to block or transmit information in the non-displayinformation optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more ofthe photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 is setto block information in the non-display information optical path 111,substantially only display information 103 in the display informationoptical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 301 comprising a substrate 303 including anoptical path 305 having one or more zone plates 307 to receive thedisplay information 103 and the non-display information 105 inaccordance with some embodiments.

The substrate 303 is not limited to being formed from a particularmaterial or combination of materials. Any materials suitable for use informing optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming thesubstrate 303. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming thesubstrate 303 include gels such as silicone hydrogels, glasses,plastics, and polymers such as polymethylmethacrylate and polymacon. Thesubstrate 303 is not limited to a particular type of optical component.In some embodiments, the substrate 303 includes a lens, such as acontact lens, formed from one or more of the exemplary materials.

The formation of the one or more zone plates 307 is not limited to aparticular process or set of processes. In some embodiments, each of theone or more zone plates 307 is formed by patterning an interferencefilter, such as a rugate filter, in concentric rings in one of the oneor more zone plates 307. The patterning of a rugate filter is notlimited to a particular type of patterning. In some embodiments, thepatterning includes binary patterning. In other embodiments, thepatterning includes sinusoidal patterning. The refractive index of therugate filter may vary continuously and periodically.

The one or more zone plates 307, in some embodiments, include three zoneplates stacked substantially one on top of the other in the optical path305 included in the substrate 303. In some embodiments, a display thatprovides the display information 103 includes the primary colors red,green, and blue and the one or more zone plates 307 are selected tofilter the primary colors. To filter the colors red, green, and blue,one of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filterformed to filter the color red. A second of the one or more zone plates307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color green, whilea third of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filterformed to filter the color blue. The rugate filter formed to filter thecolor red includes rings that block red and rings that pass all othercolors. The rugate filter formed to filter the color green includesrings that block green and rings that pass all other colors, whereas therugate filter formed to filter the color blue includes rings that blockblue and rings that pass all other colors.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 is substantiallycollimated by the one or more zone plates 307. To collimate the displayinformation 103, the one or more zone plates 307 are formed to have afocal length of between about five and about two hundred millimeters.

In operation, the apparatus 301 processes the display information 103and the non-display information 105 substantially simultaneously. Thedisplay information 103 is diffracted and substantially focused as thedisplay information 103 passes through the optical path 305. Thenon-display information 105 passes through the optical path 305substantially unchanged. The display information 103 and the non-displayinformation 105 are focused to substantially the same focal point atsubstantially the same time. For a focal point located at a retina of ahuman visual system, the brain superimposes the two images.

The apparatus 301, in some embodiments, includes a display 309. In someembodiments, the display 309 provides display information 103 includingdisplay electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristicfeature. The non-display information 105 includes non-displayelectromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristicfeature. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the displayinformation 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having anarrow spectral bandwidth. The non-display information 105 includesnon-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth.In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the display information103 including display electromagnetic radiation having a displayinformation polarization. The non-display information 105 includesnon-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display informationpolarization different from the display information polarization.

The optical path 305 is not limited to a particular optical power. Insome embodiments, the optical path 305 provides substantially zerooptical power 313 for the non-display information 103. In someembodiments, the optical path 305 provides a normal optical power 315for the non-display information 105. In additional embodiments, thenon-display information path includes two or more optical powers. Forexample, some embodiments may use the two or more optical powers forcorrection of presbyopia or for enabling the eye to properly focus fortwo or more distances other than the display path.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 301 includes a filter 317substantially surrounding around the optical path 305. In someembodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a humanvisual system, the filter 317 includes a substantially opaque filter tosubstantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when theapparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, thefilter 317 includes a non-display path polarizing filter tosubstantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when theapparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, thefilter 317 includes a notch filter to substantially block the displayinformation 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the humanvisual system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens 401 shown in 4A)show illustrations of a contact lens 401 including the displayinformation optical path 109 and the non-display information opticalpath 111 in accordance with some embodiments. The display informationoptical path 109 forms a substantially cylindrical path through acentral area-of the contact lens 401. The diameter of the displayinformation optical path 109 may be sized to increase the depth of focusand thereby assist in focusing light from a display, such as ahead-mounted display, to a retina in a wearer's visual system. In someembodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes afocusing element 403, such as a lens, to assist the wearer's visualsystem in focusing light rays to the retina. In some embodiments, thedisplay information optical path 109 includes a wavelength selectivefilter, a polarization selective filter, or a variable opacity filterincluding one or more controllable optical materials such aselectrochromic or photochromic materials.

The non-display information optical path 111 forms a substantiallyannular ring surrounding the display information optical path 109. Thenon-display information optical path 111 may also include a non-displayinformation path optical power to assist the wearer's visual system infocusing light rays from objects located at a greater distance from thewearer's visual system than the display. The non-display informationpath optical power assists the wearer's visual system by providing anappropriate power to correct for deficiencies in the wearer's visualsystem. For example, for a nearsighted wearer, the non-displayinformation optical path 111 may include an optical power to correct forthe wearer's nearsightedness and permit the nearsighted wearer toclearly view objects more distant from the wearer's visual system thanthe display. In some embodiments, the non-display information opticalpath 111 includes (i) a wavelength selective filter (including awavelength selectivity different from the selectivity of the wavelengthselective filter of the display information optical path 109), (ii) apolarization selective filter (including a polarization selectivitydifferent from the polarization selectivity of the polarizationselective filter of the display information optical path 109), or (iii)a variable opacity filter.

In operation, the contact lens 401 may substantially conform to theshape of a wearer's cornea. The display information optical path 109receives and passes or transmits light rays from the display to thewearer. The non-display information optical path 111 receives and passesor transmits light rays from objects more distant from the wearer'svisual system than the display.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingnon-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 143 includes adisplay notch filter 501 and an organic light emitting diode display503. In some embodiments, the contact lens 401 includes (i) display pathbandpass filter 157, such as a narrow band bandpass filter, (ii)focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power,and (iii) one or more filters 115, such as one or more notch filters.The human visual system 131 includes a cornea 506, iris 507, the humanlens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant fromthe contact lens 401 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, thecontact lens 401, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143,the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengthsof the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches ofdisplay notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notchfilter 501, allowing light rays 511 to pass. The light rays 511 passthrough the display 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens401, the light rays 511 are substantially blocked by the display pathbandpass filter 157 and substantially passed by the one or more filters115. At the human visual system 131, one or more of the light rays 511pass through the iris 507 to form light rays 513. The human lens 134focuses the light rays 513 to the retina 133.

Shadow 515 is created by the light rays blocked by the display pathbandpass filter 157. The display path bandpass filter 157 slightlyreduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an imageformed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path bandpassfilter 157. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantiallyunaltered by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element505 has substantially no effect on the light rays 513 reaching theretina 133, as the light rays 511 received at the focusing element 505are blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 seesa normal; real world environment except that the light rays 511 nowinclude the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501 when the display 143 is in use. At the contact lens 401, thewavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143is in use are passed by the display path bandpass filter 157 anddefocused by the focusing element 505.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingdisplay information using wavelength filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 andthe organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401includes (i) the display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrowbandwidth bandpass filter, (ii) the focusing element 505 to providedisplay information path optical power, and (iii) the one or morefilters 115. The human visual system 131 includes the cornea 506, iris507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, light rays 601 and 602 are provided by the organic lightemitting diode display 503. The light rays 602 are blocked by thedisplay notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to aviewer looking at a wearer of the contact lens 401. The light rays 601are received at the contact lens 401 and the human visual system 131.The light rays 601 are blocked by the one or more filters 115, forexample, a notch filter, but are passed as light rays 603 by the displaypath bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505, such as a focusinglens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus thelight rays 603 to the retina 133. The light rays 603 are substantiallyunaffected by the iris 507.

In some embodiments, the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded.In such embodiments, a material having an opacity is included in thedisplay 143 to provide the occlusion or partial occlusion. When thematerial is included in the display 143 on the side of display 143facing away from the contact lens 401, some or all of the non-displayinformation or ambient light rays are blocked. In such embodiments, thedisplay notch filter 501 is not required.

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingto combine non-display information and display information usingwavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emittingdiode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes the display pathbandpass filter 157, the focusing element 505 to provide displayinformation path optical power, and the one or more filters 115. Thehuman visual system 131 includes the cornea 506, iris 507, the humanlens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant fromthe contact lens 401 than the display 143 are processed as describedabove in the description of FIG. 5 to provide light rays 511 and 513.The light rays 601 and 602 provided by the display 143 are processed asdescribed above in the description of FIG. 6 to provide light rays 603.The light rays 603 come to a focus at substantially the same spot on theretina 133 as the light rays 513. The wearer's brain combines theretinal images provided by the light rays 603 and the light rays 809 toform a superimposed image.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingnon-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the organic light emitting diodedisplay 503, a display polarizing filter 801, and display shutters 803and 805. The contact lens 401 includes a display path filter 807, suchas a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter,the focusing element 505 to provide display information path opticalpower, and the non-display path polarizing filter 155. The human visualsystem 131 includes the cornea 506, iris 507, the human lens 134, andthe retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 809 are polarized by the display polarizingfilter 801 to form light rays 811. The shutters 803 and 805 are switchedto the same polarization as the display polarizing filter 801. Thus, thelight rays 811 pass through the shutters 803 and 805 substantiallyunaltered. The organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an“off” state and is therefore substantially translucent to the light rays811. Thus, the light rays 811 also pass through the organic lightemitting diode display 503 substantially unaltered. The light rays 811are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807. In someembodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display pathbandpass filter 157 (shown in FIG. 1D). In some embodiments, the displaypath filter 807 includes the display path polarizing filter 159 (shownin FIG. 1D) having a polarization different from the polarization of theshutters 803 and 805. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 has thesame polarization as the shutters 803 and 805. Thus, the light rays 811pass through the non-display path polarizing filter 155 substantiallyunaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 limits the lightrays passing through the iris 507 to light rays 813. The human lens 134focuses the light rays 813 at the retina 133.

Shadow 815 is created by the light rays blocked by the display pathfilter 807. The display path filter 807 slightly reduces the imageintensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at theretina 133 in the absence of the display path filter 807. Otherwise, theimage at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display pathfilter 807. The focusing element 505 has substantially no effect on thelight rays 811 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 811 passingthrough the focusing element 505 are substantially blocked by thedisplay path filter 807.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 seesa normal, real world environment except that the light rays 811 arepolarized. For the display path filter 807 including either a polarizingfilter or a bandpass filter, the light rays passing through the displaypath filter 807 are defocused by the focusing element 505 beforereaching retina 133.

FIG. 9 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by thecontact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processingdisplay information using polarizing filters in accordance with someembodiments. The display 143 includes the display polarizing filter 801,the display shutter 803, the organic light emitting diode display 503,and the display shutter 805. The contact lens 401 includes thenon-display path polarizing filter 155, the display path filter 807,such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizingfilter, and the focusing element 505 to provide display information pathoptical power. The human visual system 131 includes the cornea 506, iris507, the human lens 134, and the retina. 133.

In operation, the display polarizing filter 801 polarizes the light rays809 to form light rays 811. The shutter 803 is switched to apolarization to substantially block the light rays 811, and the organiclight emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state. The organiclight emitting diode display 503 provides the light rays 601 and 602,while the shutter 803 polarizes the light rays 602 to form light rays901. The display polarizing filter 801 is set to a polarization tosubstantially block the light rays 901. Thus, the light rays 901 are notvisible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The shutter805 polarizes the light rays 601 to form light rays 903. The non-displaypath polarizing filter 155 is set to a polarization to substantiallyblock the light rays 903. For the display path filter 807 set tosubstantially the same polarization as the shutter 805, the display pathfilter 807 passes the light rays 903 substantially unaltered. Thefocusing element 505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power toassist the human lens 134 to focus the light rays 905 to the retina 133.Thus, the focusing element 505 may provide an optical power to assistthe human lens 134 in focusing the light rays 903 at the retina 133. Thehuman lens 134 in combination with the focusing element 505 processesthe light rays 903 to form light rays 905. The iris 507 hassubstantially no effect on the light rays 905 substantially focused atthe retina 133.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the displaypolarization filter 801 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, amaterial having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143facing away from the contact lens 401 to block some or all of the lightrays 809 including the non-display information.

In some embodiments, a quarter wave-plate is included in the shutter 805to convert the light rays 601 having a linear polarization to a circularpolarization. To support the processing of circularly polarizedradiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filterto provide transmission of right-handed circularly polarized radiation.Also, to support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, thedisplay path filter 807 includes a filter to provide transmission ofleft-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process thenon-display information, the shutter 805 including the quarterwave-plate is set to pass right-handed circularly polarized radiation.In operation, to process the display information the shutter 805including the quarter wave plate is set to pass left-handed circularlypolarized radiation. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807includes a display path bandpass filter.

A filter providing transmission of circularly polarized radiation,unlike a filter providing for transmission of linearly polarizedradiation, does not require rotational alignment of the contact lens 401with the human visual system 131. However, the non-display pathpolarizing filter 155 is not limited to a filter for processingcircularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the non-displaypath polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission oflinearly polarized radiation.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in some embodiments the shutters 803 and805 are switched between one polarization state and another polarizationstate in synchronization with the setting of the organic light emittingdiode display 503 to an “on” state and an “off” state. For example, whenthe organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state,the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as described for FIG.9 to process the display information provided by the light rays 601 and602 from the organic light emitting diode display 503. And, for example,when the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “off”state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as describedfor FIG. 8 to process non-display information provided by the light rays809. The switching rate is set to a frequency that allows the brain of awearer of the contact lens 401 to form a single image from thesuperposition of the images of the display information and thenon-display information.

Polarizing shutters, such as shutters 803 and 805, can utilize liquidcrystal display panels that re-orient their liquid crystals in responseto an applied electric field. When the crystals are oriented in onedirection, they pass electromagnetic radiation having a particularpolarization. Changing the electric field to orient the crystals in asecond direction causes electromagnetic radiation having a secondpolarization to be passed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in FIG.10A) show illustrations of a contact lens 1001 including one or morezone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. In certainembodiments, the one or more zone plate filters 1003 are formed bypatterning a rugate filter in concentric rings of a diffraction zoneplate, which focuses light using diffraction to cause constructiveinterference at a focal point to create an image. A rugate filterincludes optical interference films of varying thickness. The refractiveindex of the optical interference film varies as a function of thefilm's optical thickness. The use of a rugate filter in forming a zoneplate results in a zone plate that operates on a particular set ofwavelengths, for example, a narrow band of wavelengths. In someembodiments, the patterning of the zone plate is binary. Binarypatterning includes substantially opaque and transparent rings ofsubstantially equal areas. In some embodiments, the patterning issinusoid. Sinusoid patterning includes rings having substantiallygradual variations in opacity. In some embodiments, the contact lens1001 includes a notch filter 1005 forming substantially an annular ringaround the one or more zone plate filters 1003.

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled bythe contact lens 1001 to the human visual system 131 to illustrateprocessing display information and non-display information using the oneor more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. Thedisplay 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic lightemitting diode display 503. The contact lens 1001 includes the one ormore zone plate filters 1003. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001includes the notch filter 1005. The human visual system 131 includes thecornea 506, iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 providing non-display informationreceived from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than thedisplay 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 1001, and thehuman visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509that correspond to the wavelength notches of the display notch filter501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, passingthe light rays 511. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 1001, the light rays 511pass through the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and the notchfilter 1005 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, theiris 507 may block some of the light rays 511, passing light rays 1007.The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1007 including the non-displayinformation at the retina 133.

In operation, the organic light emitting diode display 503 provideslight rays 601 and 602. The light rays 602 are directed away from thecontact lens 1001 and are substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer lookingat a wearer of the display 143. The light rays 601 are directed towardthe contact lens 1001 including the notch filter 1005 and the one ormore zone plate filters 1003. At the notch filter 1005, the light rays601 are substantially blocked. At the one or more zone plate filters1003, the light rays 601 are diffracted to form the light rays 1009. Thehuman lens 134 focuses the light rays 1009 including the displayinformation at the retina 133.

The light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contactlens 1001 than the display 143 are processed as described above toprovide the light rays 1007 including the non-display information to theretina 133. The light rays 601 provided by the display 143 are processedas described above to provide the light rays 1009 including the displayinformation to the retina 133. The light rays 1007 and the light rays1009 are focused at substantially the same spot at the retina 133 atsubstantially the same time. Thus, the brain of the wearer of thecontact lens 1001 combines the retinal image provided by the light rays1007 including the non-display information and the retinal imageprovided by the light rays 1009 including the display information toform a superimposed image including the display information and thenon-display information.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 1001sees a normal, real world environment except the light rays 511 nowinclude the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notchfilter 501. At the contact lens 1001, the wavelengths blocked at thedisplay notch filter 501 when the display 143 is present are diffractedby the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and defocused by the humanlens 134.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display notchfilter 501 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a materialhaving an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing awayfrom the contact lens 1001 to block some or all of the light rays 509including the non-display information.

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an apparatus 1201 including a substrate1203, a substantially transparent pixel unit 1205, and an organic lightemitting diode unit 1207 in accordance with some embodiments. Thesubstrate 1203 includes a pattern 1209 of pixel sites including a firstpattern of one or more first pixel sites 1211 and a second pattern ofone or more second pixel sites 1213. The substantially transparent pixelunit 1205 is located at substantially each of the one or more firstpixel sites 1211. The organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207including a filter 1215 is located at substantially each of the one ormore second pixel sites 1213. The filter 1215 is located on thesubstrate 1203 to enable filtering of the electromagnetic radiationemitted by the organic light emitting diode unit before theelectromagnetic radiation reaches a viewer. To filter theelectromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, emitted by the organiclight emitting diode pixel unit 1207, the area of the filter 1215 issubstantially equal to or greater than the area of the organic lightemitting diode pixel unit 1207. In some embodiments, the filter 1215 isa narrow band filter. In other embodiments, the filter 1215 is apolarizing filter. The pattern 1209 of pixel sites is not limited to aparticular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern 1209 of pixel sitesincludes a checkerboard pattern including the first pattern of the oneor more first pixel sites 1211 alternating with the second pattern ofthe one or more second pixel sites 1213. The sites are not limited to aparticular shape and the shapes shown are only for schematicillustration.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1301 including enabling anddisabling transmission of display information and transmission ofnon-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In theillustrated embodiment, the method 1301 enables transmission of displayinformation from a display and switches one or more shutters to a firstpolarization to polarize the display information (block 1303). Themethod 1301 also disables transmission of the display information fromthe display and switches the one or more shutters to a secondpolarization different from the first polarization to enabletransmission of the non-display information through the one or moreshutters (block 1305). In some embodiments, the method 1301 includesreceiving the display information and the non-display information at acontact lens. In some embodiments, the method 1301 includessubstantially blocking the display information at a non-displayinformation optical path included in the contact lens and substantiallytransmitting the display information at a display information opticalpath included in the contact lens.

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method 1401 including polarizingdisplay and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens withthe polarized display and non-display information in accordance withsome embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1401 (i)polarizes non-display information to form polarized non-displayinformation and polarizes display information to form polarized displayinformation (block 1403), (ii) illuminates a contact lens with thepolarized non-display information while not illuminating the contactlens with the polarized display information (block 1405), and (iii)illuminates the contact lens with the polarized display informationwhile not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized non-displayinformation (block 1407). In some embodiments, the method 1401 includessubstantially blocking the polarized display information at thenon-display information path at the contact lens.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example construction of a contact lens assemblyin accordance with one embodiments of the invention. The contact lensassembly as illustrated comprises a first filter 1531, a lenslet 1525, afilter 1528, and a polymerized soft lens 1522. In some embodiments, thefirst filter 1531 is a curved polymer polarizer filter, while the filter1528 is a narrow band optical bandpass filter. In further embodiments,the filter 1528 disposed on the lenslet 1525 is a RGB bandpass filter ora polarizer filter.

Referring now to the lenslet 1525, in some embodiments, the lenslet 1525may be configured to enable imaging of near objects, such as a displayimage emitted from a near-eye display panel. For such embodiments, thelenslet 1525 may be a refractive lens (as shown), or a diffractive lens(not shown). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lenslet 1525 may besubstantially wider in a horizontal direction than in verticaldirection, thereby allowing for wider viewing angles in the horizontaldirection.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 15, process 1505 illustrates anexample method for construction of a contact lens assembly such as theone described above. The contact lens construction begins at eitherstage 1506 with the creation of a filter 1528, or stage 1510 with thecreation of a lenslet 1525. The lenslet and the filter may be created byany number of conventional methods known by those skilled in the art. Atstage 1513, a curved filter 1531 having an aperture is created. In someembodiments, this curved filter 1531 is created with an aperturesufficient in size to allow for some or all of lenslet 1525 to bedisposed through it, as illustrated in stage 1516.

Once filter 1528 is disposed on to the lenslet 1525, the lenslet 1525 isdisposed through the curved filter 1531 at stage 1519. In someembodiments, this filter 1528 is a RGB bandpass filter or a polarizerfilter. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lenslet 1525 is firstformed and then disposed through the curved filter 1531 such that thefilter 1528 is not in contact with the curved filter 1531.

Continuing with stage 1519, the assembly comprising the curved filter1531, the lenslet 1525, and the filter 1528 is disposed within a moldcontaining pre-polymerized material, such as hydro-gel. The material issubsequently cured, thereby forming a polymerized soft lens 1522.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example construction of a contact lensassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Referringnow to FIG. 16, the contact lens assembly comprises a first filter 1631,a lenslet 1625, a second filter 1628, and a soft lens 1622. In someembodiments, the first filter 1631 is a curved polymer polarizer filterhaving a first polar orientation, while the second filter 1628 is apolarizer filter having a second polar orientation (e.g., 90-degreerotation).

In further embodiments, the second filter 1628 is attached to the moldedlenslet 1625 to form a lenslet assembly that may be wholly or partiallydisposed through an aperture of the first filter 1631. Depending on theembodiment, the molded lenslet 1625 may be molded or bonded onto thesecond filter 1628. Furthermore, when manufacturing some embodiments,the placement of the lenslet assembly through the aperture of the firstfilter 1631 and the attachment of the second filter 1628 to the moldedlenslet 1625 may occur substantially simultaneously (as illustrated instage 1613).

In alternative embodiments not illustrated, the molded lenslet isattached to a curved gas-permeable substrate that is patterned as afilter in one or more locations. For example, in one such embodiment, afirst filter similar in location to filter 1631 is created by patterningthat area of the curved gas-permeable substrate as a first filter (e.g.,RGB notch filter). In further such embodiments, a second filter similarin location to filter 1628 is created by patterning that area of thecurved gas-permeable substrate as a second filter (e.g., RGB bandpassfilter). A number of known methods known in the art can utilized inpatterning a filter onto the substrate, including photolithography.

With further reference to lenslet 1625, in some embodiments, the lensletmay be configured to enable imaging of near objects, such as a displayimage emitted from a near-eye display panel. For such embodiments, thelenslet 1625 may be a refractive lens (as shown), or a diffractive lens(not shown). Further, in some embodiments, the lenslet 1625 may becreated to be substantially wider in a horizontal direction than invertical direction, thereby allowing for wider viewing angles in thehorizontal direction.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example construction of a contact lens assemblywith a diffractive lens in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring now to FIG. 17, the illustrated contact lensassembly comprises a first filter 1719, a diffractive lenslet 1713, asecond filter 1716, and a polymerized soft lens 1710. As discussedearlier, in some embodiments, the first filter 1719 can be a RGB notchfilter patterned onto a curved gas-permeable substrate, while the secondfilter 1716 can be a RGB bandpass filter patterned onto the same curvedgas-permeable substrate.

Similar to FIG. 16, the second filter 1716 of FIG. 17 is attached to thediffractive lenslet 1713 to form a lenslet assembly that may be whollyor partially disposed through an aperture of the first filter 1719.Depending on the embodiment, the diffractive lenslet 1713 may be moldedor bonded onto the second filter 1716. Furthermore, when manufacturingsome embodiments, the placement of the lenslet assembly through theaperture of the first filter 1719 and the attachment of the secondfilter 1716 to the diffractive lenslet 1713 may occur substantiallysimultaneously.

It should be noted that for some embodiments similar to those shown inFIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the lenslet may be disposed within the contactlens (e.g., hydro gel lens) such that the lenslet is fully encapsulatedby the contact lens's material. In such embodiments, the lenslet mayhave an index of refraction that is higher than that of the contact lensmaterial encompassing it.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example construction of a contact lens assemblyhaving a lens formed by a concave depression in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 18, thecontact lens assembly comprises a curved transparent substrate 1813embedded within a molded contact lens material 1810. In the illustratedembodiment, the concave depression 1816 is configured such that once thecontact lens material of a higher index of refraction in the concavedepression 1816 is filled and cured, the cured lens material within theconcave depression 1816 functions as a lenslet for close power. Invarious embodiments, this lenslet enables imaging of near objects, suchas a display image emitted from a near-eye display panel. Additionally,in some embodiments, the concave depression 1816 may be additionallyconfigured to be substantially wider in a horizontal direction than invertical direction, thereby resulting in a lenslet that allows for widerviewing angles in the horizontal direction.

The invention provides several embodiments for constructing a flexiblecontact lens. According to one embodiment, a flexible contact lens maybe fabricated by: (i) pre-forming a lenslet using a pre-polymerizedliquid; and (ii) forming a contact lens using the pre-polymerized liquidsuch that the lenslet is at least partially encapsulated by the contactlens.

According to another embodiment, a flexible contact lens may befabricated by: (i) fabricating at least one optical element; (ii)partially encapsulating the optical element in a first flexiblematerial; (iii) affixing the optical element to a front mold at acentral zone; (iv) attaching a back convex mold to a front concave mold;(v) filling the mold cavity with a pre-polymerized liquid; and (vi)curing the pre-polymerized liquid. Once the pre-polymerized liquid iscured, a flexible contact lens results.

FIG. 19 illustrates yet another embodiment for constructing a flexiblecontact lens in accordance with the present invention. Referring now toFIG. 19, a contact lens assembly is constructed using two mold halves toform a polymerized contact lens. The illustrated process begins at stage1910 with the construction of a front mold half 1913 comprising: a firstconcave curve 1914 having a first radius of curvature sufficient to forma contact lens having a first optical power; and a second concave curve1915 having a second radius of curvature sufficient to form a lenslethaving a second optical power. As shown in the illustrated embodiment,the second curve 1915 is positioned on the front mold half 1913 suchthat the boundary of the second curve 1915 is within the boundary of thefirst curve 1914. In some embodiments, the lenslet formed by the secondcurve 1915 has a second optical power, a close power that enablesimaging of near objects, such as a display image emitted from a near-eyedisplay panel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lenslet formed bythe second curve 1915 may be substantially wider in a horizontaldirection than in a vertical direction, thereby allowing for widerviewing angles in the horizontal direction.

As illustrated, the second curvature 1915 is centered with respect tothe geometric center of the front mold half 1913. Alternatively, thesecond curve 1915 may be positioned off center from the geometric centerof the front mold half 1913. In doing so, the lenslet resulting from thesecond curve 1915 may be properly positioned over the visual axis of aneye when it is anticipated that positioning the second curve 1915 at thegeometric center of the front mold half 1913 will not result in properpositioning.

Continuing with stage 1920, the front mold half 1913 is first partiallyfilled with pre-polymerized liquid. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the front mold half 1913 is filled such that the secondcurve 1915 is completely filled and the first curve 1914 is onlypartially filled. Subsequently, the pre-polymerized liquid is cured,resulting in a polymerized material that forms lenslet 1925. Next, thesurface of the resulting lenslet 1925 is covered with an adhesive oradhesion promoter 1922 to affix a filter assembly 1919 to the lenslet1925. Depending on the embodiment, the filter assembly 1919 may or maynot be centered over the lenslet 1925. Additionally, for someembodiments, the filter assembly 1919 may include a bandwidth filter, apolarizing filter, or some combination thereof.

In further embodiments, the adhesive or adhesion promoter 1922 may be ameasured amount of the same pre-polymerized liquid used in forming thelenslet 1925. For some such embodiments, an additional curing step isemployed to complete the attachment of the filter assembly 1919 to thelenslet 1925.

At stage 1930, the back mold half 1916 is attached to the front moldhalf 1913, thereby forming a mold cavity 1927, as illustrated at stage1940. Thereafter, at stage 1950, the mold cavity 1927 is filled with apre-polymerized liquid and the material is cured. The resultingpolymerized material forms a contact lens 1928. Finally, at stage 1960,the mold halves (1913 and 1916) are separated, and the flexible contactlens extracted.

For further embodiments, the front and back mold halves may furtherincorporate means for rotational stabilization of the contact lens onthe eye. These means may include, but are not limited to, prism ballast,double slab off, or variations in the thickness profile of the annulussurrounding the optic zone of the contact lens.

Turning now to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment for constructing aflexible contact lens in accordance the present invention is provided.As shown, an integrated element is first created (i.e., pre-formed),comprising a pre-formed lenslet 2025, a first filter 2022, and a secondfilter 2019. For some embodiments, the first filter 2022 is a bandwidthfilter and the second filter 2019 is a polarizing filter. A flexiblecontact lens is constructed according to this illustrated embodiment by:(i) affixing the integrated element to a front mold half 2013; (ii)attaching the back mold half 2016 to the front mold half 2013; (iii)filling the mold cavity created by adjoining the front and back moldhalves (2013 and 2016) with a pre-polymerized liquid; and (iv) curingthe pre-polymerized liquid. Thereafter, the front and back mold halvesare separated, and the flexible contact lens extracted.

In further embodiments, the integrated element may be affixed to thefront mold half with a water-soluble wax or other material that is notdissolved by the pre-polymerized liquid. In the illustrated embodiment,when the mold cavity is filled with the pre-polymerized liquid, theliquid covers all but the central lenslet 2025. In addition, a spaceremains between the outer filter (second filter 2019) and the front moldhalf 2013, thereby allowing the pre-polymerized liquid to fill the spacewhile not covering the lenslet 2025 within the curve 2015. This resultsin the integrated element being partially encapsulated in thepolymerized material that forms the flexible contact lens.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a further embodiment for constructing aflexible contact lens in accordance the present invention is provided.In the illustrated embodiment, an integrated element is first created(i.e., pre-formed), comprising a pre-formed lenslet 2125, and a filter2122. Optionally, the integrated element may further comprise a secondfilter (not shown) that is affixed to lenslet 2125.

Continuing with FIG. 21, a flexible contact lens is constructed inaccordance with the illustrated embodiment by: (i) mounting theintegrated element to either the front mold half 2113 (as illustrated)or the back mold half 2116 (not illustrated) using supports 2119; (ii)attaching the back mold half 2116 to the front mold half 2113; (iii)filling the mold cavity created by adjoining the front and back moldhalves (2113 and 2116) with a pre-polymerized liquid; and (iv) curingthe pre-polymerized liquid. Subsequently, the front and back mold halvesare separated, and the flexible contact lens extracted. The resultingflexible contact lens contains a fully encapsulated integrated element.It should be noted that the integrated element can be mounted to eitherthe front or back mold half such that the lenslet 2125 is centered ordisplaced with respect to the geometric center of the flexible contactlens.

According to some embodiments, the supports 2119 used in mounting theintegrated element to either of the mold halves are configured tosuspend the integrated element at a predetermined distance between thetwo mold halves. Additionally, once a pre-polymerized liquid is cured,the material 2119 remains permanently within the flexible contact lens.As a result, in some embodiments, the supports 2119 are placed outsidethe optic zone and near the periphery of the integrated element, as toavoid interference with the optical quality of the lens.

Depending on the embodiment, the material used to create supports 2119may be selected from a number of soft or rigid polymerized lensmaterials well known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, thematerial of supports 2119 may have the same index of refraction as thepolymerized material forming the body of the flexible contact lens,thereby resulting in negligible optical effect if placed in the opticzone of the lens.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams maydepict an example architectural or other configuration for theinvention, which is done to aid in understanding the features andfunctionality that can be included in the invention. The invention isnot restricted to the illustrated example architectures orconfigurations, but the desired features can be implemented using avariety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it willbe apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional,logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implementedto implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, amultitude of different constituent module names other than thosedepicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally,with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and methodclaims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall notmandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recitedfunctionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read asrequiring that each and every one of those items be present in thegrouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or”should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, butrather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly statedotherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of theinvention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural iscontemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to thesingular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: an eye contactingsubstrate including a display information optical path to receivedisplay information and a non-display information optical path toreceive non-display information, the display information optical pathincluding a display information path bandpass filter, and thenon-display information optical path including a polarizer, the displayinformation optical path when coupled to a human visual system tosubstantially focus the display information to a retina in the humanvisual system, and the non-display information optical path when coupledto the human visual system to substantially focus the non-displayinformation to the retina in the human visual system.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the eye contacting substrate comprises agas-permeable substrate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thegas-permeable substrate includes a filter.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the filter is a bandpass filter.
 5. A contact lens assembly,comprising: a curved transparent substrate having at least one filter,the at least one filter is a curved polarizer filter having a firstpolar orientation; and a lenslet attached to the curved transparentsubstrate, wherein the lenslet has a second filter, the second filter isa polarizer filter having a second polar orientation, the at least onefilter blocks display information and transmits non-display information,the second filter transmits display information and blocks non-displayinformation.
 6. The contact lens assembly of claim 5, wherein the firstpolar orientation is about 90 degrees out of phase with the second polarorientation.
 7. A contact lens assembly, comprising: a curvedtransparent substrate having an electrochromic polarizer; and a lensletattached to the curved transparent substrate.
 8. The contact lensassembly of claim 7, wherein the electrochromic polarizer receives anactivation signal.
 9. The contact lens assembly of claim 8, wherein theactivation signal is provided by a display.
 10. A contact lens assembly,comprising: a curved transparent substrate having an aperture having adiameter of between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm.
 11. The contact lensassembly of claim 10, wherein the curved transparent substrate includesa patterned spectral filter.
 12. The contact lens assembly of claim 11,wherein the patterned spectral filter includes slots.
 13. A contact lensassembly, comprising: a curved transparent substrate having a geometriccenter and including a lenslet displaced from the geometric center. 14.The contact lens assembly of claim 13, wherein the lenslet is formedfrom a pre-polymerized liquid.
 15. The contact lens assembly of claim13, wherein the lenslet has an index of refraction and the curvedtransparent substrate has a curved transparent substrate index ofrefraction and the index of refraction is greater than the curvedtransparent substrate index of refraction.
 16. The contact lens assemblyof claim 15, wherein the curved transparent substrate includes at leastone patterned filter.
 17. A method comprising: constructing a front moldhalf comprising: a first concave curve having a first radius ofcurvature sufficient to form a contact lens having a first opticalpower, and a second concave curve having a second radius of curvaturesufficient to form a lenslet having a second optical power of at least+25 diopters greater than the first optical power; and positioning thesecond concave curve on the front mold half such that the second concavecurve is within the first concave curve.
 18. The method of claim 17,further comprising partially filling the front mold half withpre-polymerized liquid.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein partiallyfilling the front mold half with pre-polymerized liquid comprisesfilling the front mold half such that the second curve is completelyfiled and the first curve is partially filled.
 20. A contact lenscomprising: a button including an optical element; and a filter oraperture encapsulated within the button.
 21. The contact lens of claim20, wherein the button includes a rigid material.
 22. The contact lensof claim 21, wherein the filter or aperture is within a layer in alaminate in the button.
 23. The contact lens of claim 22, wherein thelaminate is disposed within the contact lens.
 24. The contact lens ofclaim 23, wherein the contact lens is a hybrid contact lens
 25. Thecontact lens of claim 23, wherein the contact lens is a scleral contactlens.